23/07/2026
45TH NATIONAL HUNGERSTRIKE COMMEMORATION.
Visitor Guide
BALLINA, COUNTY MAYO | 29–30 AUGUST 2026
The Mayo Commemoration Team warmly welcomes you to Ballina for the 45th National Hunger Strike Commemoration.
This guide brings together the weekend programme, travel information, local food and drink recommendations, and places of historical and cultural interest around Ballina and County Mayo.
Mayo holds a special place in republican history as the home of JACK MCNEELA, MICHAEL GAUGHAN, FRANK STAGG, and others. We hope your visit is informative, meaningful, and memorable.
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SATURDAY • 29 AUGUST
2:00 PM – HISTORY TALK
George Stagg presents a talk on the events surrounding the return of Frank's body.
📍 Republican Plot, Leigue Cemetery
Eircode: F26 A062
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6:00 PM – PANEL DISCUSSION
"The Legacy of the Hunger Strike"
Speakers
Laurence McKeown
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Síle Darragh
📍 Great National Hotel
Eircode: F26 X5P3
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7:30 PM – LIVE MUSIC
Featuring:
Spirit of Freedom
Liam Lapin
Bernie Mullen Carroll
📍 Bar Square
Eircode: F26 AF84
🎟 Ticketed Event
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SUNDAY • 30 AUGUST
10:00 AM National Hunger Strike Commemoration 10 km / 5 km Run & 5 km Walk
Belleek woods ballina
To register, please contact Mayo Sinn Féin
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2:30 PM – NATIONAL HUNGERSTRIKE COMMEMORATION
📍 Assembly Bunree Industrial Estate
Eircode: F26 V243
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3:00 PM – COMMEMORATIVE PARADE
The parade departs for market square in the Town Centre.
Parking
Parking is recommended at:
Teeling Street – F26 HP79
Humbert Street – F26 TX04
Please allow approximately 20 minutes' walk to the assembly point.
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7:30 PM – LIVE MUSIC
Featuring:
The Irish Brigade
Richie Prendergast
Bernie Mullen Carroll
📍 Great National Hotel
Eircode: F26 X5P3
🎟 Ticketed Event
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Where to Eat & Drink
BAR SQUARE
A lively town-centre venue and ideal place to enjoy the atmosphere throughout the weekend.
THE JUNCTION
Conveniently located beside Ballina Railway Station, making it perfect for visitors arriving by train.
THE COT AND COBBLE
A popular riverside restaurant with beautiful views over the River Moy.
THE LOFT
A traditional local venue known for its warm welcome and excellent reputation.
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History & Nature in Ballina
THE JACKIE CLARKE COLLECTION
Located on Pearse Street, this award-winning museum is an essential visit for anyone interested in Irish history and political heritage.
BELLEEK WOODS
One of Europe's largest urban woodlands, offering peaceful riverside walks along the River Moy.
HUMBERT MONUMENT
Situated on Humbert Street, this landmark commemorates the 1798 Rebellion and Ballina's important place in that history.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
🚆 Rail
Direct train services operate from Dublin Heuston to Ballina via Manulla Junction.
🚌 Bus
Regular Bus Éireann services, including Routes 22, 52 and 440, serve Ballina.
✈ Air
Ireland West Airport Knock is approximately 46 km from Ballina.
Bus Éireann Route 440 provides a direct connection between the airport and Ballina.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
For enquiries, registrations or ticket information, please contact Mayo Sinn Féin:
📧 [email protected]
Facebook: Mayo Sinn Féin
WhatsApp: +353 85 147 6654
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The Mayo Commemoration Team wishes you a safe journey and an enjoyable visit to Ballina for the 45th National Hunger Strike Commemoration.
We look forward to welcoming you to County Mayo. Home of sam maguire 2026
